Xiaomi has unveiled its new lineup of premium smartphones in China, consisting of the Xiaomi 18 Pro and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max. The company took advantage of the event to confirm that these devices will have international distribution , something that wasn't the case with the Pro versions of previous generations. The company has not yet provided details on countries, release dates, or prices outside the Chinese market, so their arrival in Spain remains to be confirmed.
Xiaomi's offering for this season rests on two key ideas: maintaining top-tier technical specifications and bringing back distinctive features previously exclusive to Asia. These include the return of a secondary display on the back , along with a privacy system for the main screen and a camera system developed in collaboration with Leica. The objective is clear: to compete with the most powerful flagship devices without compromising on anything.
Design, screens and dual rear panel
Both models share a clean design language, with straight edges, rounded corners, and a camera module that once again takes center stage. The Xiaomi 18 Pro uses a 6,4-inch screen , while the Pro Max boasts a 6,9-inch display. Both feature LTPO AMOLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate, a peak brightness of 4.000 nits, and Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 protection.
Xiaomi has reduced the side and top bezels to just 0,99 millimeters, creating an almost full-frontal feel. The Super Pixel 2.0 layer aims to improve sharpness, color, and power consumption, while the brand promises to maintain readability in bright sunlight . These are technical details, but they explain why the company places so much emphasis on panel quality.
The most talked-about new feature is the hardware-based privacy function. The panel can modify the direction of light at the pixel level so that, when the corresponding mode is activated, anyone viewing it from a side angle will see the screen darkened . The idea is reminiscent of what we saw in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and can be configured to activate in specific contexts.
On the back, Xiaomi has brought back the auxiliary panel integrated into the camera module. This screen, around 2,7 inches, allows you to view notifications, use the phone as a mirror, take selfies with the rear cameras, launch widgets or small applications, and generate animated wallpapers with AI. It's a striking extra, although its arrival in European versions remains to be seen.
As for finishes, the Pro Max has been shown in pink, black, white, and purple, with a purple variant featuring a galaxy effect. Xiaomi has also unveiled a special edition in red and a semi-transparent version that reveals some of the internal components, reminiscent of special editions from previous generations . These options are designed for those who want to stand out, not just in terms of power.
Performance, battery life and autonomy
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 18 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the Pro Max opts for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Both Qualcomm chips are manufactured using a 2-nanometer process and promise a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence tasks. The brand boasts a CPU capable of exceeding 5 GHz and notable improvements in the GPU and NPU , with reduced power consumption for graphics.
The RAM comes in 12 or 16 GB options, and storage can be configured from 256 GB to 1 TB depending on the model and market. Xiaomi has also promised superior sustained performance in the Pro Max, although the cooling details will need to be verified in independent tests.
Battery life is another key feature. The batteries, dubbed Jinshajiang, contain 32% silicon to increase energy density without adding bulk to the phone. The Xiaomi 18 Pro boasts a 7.000 mAh battery, compared to the Pro Max's 8.500 mAh . Both support 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, although we'll have to wait and see which configurations ultimately arrive in Europe.
The software is powered by HyperOS 4 , based on Android 17. Xiaomi's interface incorporates AI features for retouching images , removing or adding elements, zooming in on scenes, and generating text. The company has focused on generative tools, although their exact availability may vary by market.
Leica cameras and software
The camera setup continues the partnership with Leica and features a very ambitious configuration in both models. The main camera uses a 200-megapixel, 1/1,28-inch sensor, accompanied by a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with 3,2x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. The ultra-wide-angle lens is 50 megapixels, and the front-facing camera also boasts 50 megapixels.
Xiaomi claims that the main sensor, known as the Light Hunter 960, captures more light and reduces internal reflections, according to the brand. The Pro Max adds LOFIC technology to better control overexposed areas in complex scenes. In practice, this should translate to more detail in shadows and highlights , although we'll have to wait for real-world testing to confirm this.
The rear screen is also part of the user experience. Integrated into the camera module, Xiaomi presents it as a second window for viewing information without unlocking the phone. It can be used as a selfie viewfinder, a mirror, a notification control, or a showcase for AI-generated animations. It's an eye-catching extra, but its usefulness will depend on how many compatible apps ultimately support it.
Price and Availability
In China, the starting prices are as follows: the Xiaomi 18 Pro starts at 5.999 yuan, approximately €785, for the 12GB/256GB version. The Pro Max starts at 6.999 yuan, around €915, for the same configuration. These are approximate figures, as taxes, tariffs, and other costs must be added for Europe , so the final price will be higher.
The full price list in China includes several configurations. For the Pro, the 12GB + 512GB version costs 6.999 yuan, the 16GB + 512GB version 7.999 yuan, and the 16GB + 1TB version 8.999 yuan. For the Pro Max, the price ranges from 6.999 to 9.999 yuan . Xiaomi also showcased a special semi-transparent edition, the final price of which in Europe is yet to be determined.
Xiaomi has confirmed that the series will have a global launch, but hasn't specified the timeline or the list of countries. It's also unclear whether the rear screen and higher-capacity batteries will remain unchanged in the European versions. The company hasn't clarified whether there will be adjustments to adapt the models to each market, so it's best to wait for the international presentation before finalizing the specifications.
The new Xiaomi 18 Pro family arrives with a familiar formula: ultra-high-quality screens, cutting-edge processors, 200-megapixel Leica cameras, and high-capacity silicon-carbon batteries. The Pro Max takes on the role of the most extreme model, while the Pro attempts to maintain a balance. The key will be seeing how both adapt to the Spanish and European markets, and what their final price will be. The brand has promised an international expansion , but the details are still pending.
